As a board we are determined to support Kevin Watson gain a real foothold in the Southern Division, says Chatham Town chairman Jeff Talbot

CHATHAM TOWN chairman Jeff Talbot celebrated the news that the club have been switched back to the Ryman League Division One South after a four year absence.

The club finished second-from-bottom in the Ryman League Division One South table at the end of the 2010-11 season, but instead of suffering relegation to the Kent League, they were handed a reprieve and placed in the Northern Division.



IN CHARGE: Chatham Town chairman Jeff Talbot has confirmed that Kevin Watson will remain as the club's manager upon their return to Ryman League Division One South next season.
Photo: Chatham Town FC

The Maidstone Road outfit suffered financially during that time as they missed out on some lucrative Kent derbies and the club finished in 15^th, 13^th, 12^th and finished fourth-from-bottom last season.

But next season, the Chats can look forward to playing lucrative Kent derbies against Faversham Town, Folkestone Invicta, Herne Bay, Hythe Town, Ramgate, Sittingbourne and Whitstable Town.

Last season’s Southern Counties East Football League champions Phoenix Sports – based in Barnehurst – have been placed in the Northern Division, along with Thamesmead Town and Cray Wanderers, although Cray chairman Gary Hillman is submitting an appeal.

Dartford and Erith & Belvedere are other Kent clubs that have played in that division in the past.

“Following what has felt an eternity playing away games as far away as Wroxham in Norfolk, we can now look forward to playing derby matches up and down the A2 corridor,” said Mr Talbot, in a statement on the club’s website.

“Reflecting on our time in the North Division, I must say that despite trying we may never get to the bottom of mysterious twists that season after season inexplicably allocated us to the North Division.

“That said, whilst in the North Division we did find there were many well managed clubs that offered us fantastic hospitality which made the pill easier for us to swallow.

“Nearly every one of the North clubs signed our petition last season, which was aimed at raising awareness of our plight. On behalf of the club I send my thanks to those clubs who supported us.  More locally, a big thank you should go to our director of football Steve Binks, who single handily initiated and drove the petition and presented our case face-to-face with the Ryman League.”

Mr Talbot confirmed that manager Kevin Watson stays on to manage the club as they go into more familiar surroundings.

He said: “Looking forward we need to capitalise on our new start. We need to re-attract the supporters that left us, regain the confidence of local sponsors and give more opportunity to local talent on the pitch.

“Kevin Watson has been re-appointed as manager for next season.  He is aware that next season will be a real challenge on the pitch and is already planning for a tough campaign.

“We as a board are determined to support him gain a real foothold in the Southern Division.

“You can help by coming to the Maidstone Road ground and supporting the Chats next season.”

Meanwhile, the club stage their end-of-the-season presentation night at the ground on Friday 29 May at 19:30. Admission is free.

Visit Chatham Town’s website: www.chathamtownfc.info